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Overview

COMP 214 is a guided exploration of current and emerging technologies in human–computer interaction (HCI), with some historical perspective. The aim of the course is to give students a general understanding of the context and current state of interactive computer technology and allow them to explore those aspects of HCI that most interest them.

The course is organized in a non-linear fashion, with four main topics. Students may work on topics in any order and may to some extent select which, and how many, activities they complete on each topic.

Outline

COMP 214 consists of four main topics, each of which has a number of sub-topics:

Topic 1:

The Context Of Human–Computer Interaction (HCI)

History and Development of Computer Interfaces

The Next Generation of Interfaces

Ergonomics

Topic 2:

Input and Output

Input at the Programming Level

Input Devices and Data Types – From Typing to Sensing

Output – Not Just Information Anymore

Topic 3:

Using And Evaluating Application Interfaces

Windows and Other Desktop Interfaces

2D and 3D Interfaces

Topic 4:

Creating User Interfaces

Principles of Sound Interface Design

Web Interfaces

Image Maps

Using Simple Programming Tools to Design Interactive Applications or Interfaces

Evaluation

To receive credit for COMP 214, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least “D” (50 percent), including an average grade of 50 percent on the assignments, The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:

Assignment 1

Assignment 2

Assignment 3

Assignment 4

Assignment 5

Total

22%

22%

22%

22%

12%

100%

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.

Course Materials

The course materials for COMP 214 are all in electronic format, using current online materials.

Special Course Features

Students may use a variety of presentation formats for assignments, including illustrated articles, PowerPoint presentations, websites, or Windows MovieMaker videos. A variety of freeware and open source programs may also be used. An MS Word-compatible word processing program is required. (The use of PowerPoint is optional.)

Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized-study counterparts.